Box making machine



Sept. 3, 1963 H. L. WALKER 3,102,457

Box MAKING MACHINE Filed oct. 21, 19Go 11 sheets-sheet 1 Sept 31 1963 H. L. WALKER 3,102,457

Box MAKING MACHINE:

Filed Oct. 2l, 1960 11 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIGB WdZ/LNVENTOR. @12M Wg Wyyiww Sept. 3, 1963 H. L. WALKER 3,102,457

Box MAKING MACHINE Y Filed oct. 21, 1966 11 sheets-sheet s i www wvwwvw SePt- 3, 1963 H. L. WALKER 3,102,457

BOX MAKING MACHINE Filed 001'.. 2l, 1960 11 Sheets-Sheet 4 Wil FIG.

Sept. 3, 1963 H. L.. WALKER Box MAKING MACHINE Filed Ooi. 2l. 1960 11 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG. I5

a%INVENTOR. QMMZ/l@ M557/ WW Sept. 3, 1963 H. L. WALKER Box MAKING MACHINE 11 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Oct. 2l. 1960 FIGIT IBI W QVENTOR.

FIG. I6

Sept. 3, 1963 H. L. WALKER 3,102,457

Box MAKING MAGHINE Filed oct. 21, 19Go 11 sheets-sheet 7' MQW/wm WV FIG. I9

SePt- 3, 1963 H. L.. WALKER 3,102,457

Box MAKING MACHINE Filed Oct. 2l, 1960 11 Sheets-Sheet 8 FIGZZ Sept 3, 1963 H. 1 WALKER 3,102,457

Box MAKING MACHINE Filed oct. 21, 19Go 1l Sheets-Sheet 9 WSLENTOR. HG, @bww/5% Sept- 3, 1963 H. L.. WALKER 3,102,457

Box MAKING MACHINE Filed Oct. 21, 1960 l1 Sheets-'Sheet l0 203 231g FIGLVZG FIGZT MWMINVENTR. @MQW/#YW Sept. 3, 1963 H. L. WALKER 3,102,457

BOX MAKING MACHINE Filed Ooi.. 21, 1960 11 Sheets-Sheet l1 FIG. 28

www@ a6 United States Patent O 3,102,457 BOX MAIUNG MACHINE Howard L. Walker, Quincy, Mass., assignor to Granite Machine Co., Inc., Hingham, Mass., a corporation of Massachusetts Filed Oct. 21, 1960, Ser. No. 64,153 2t) Claims. (Cl. 93-51) The present invention relates to a box forming machine and in particular to a `machine for manufacturing set up boxes from pre'scored blanks. .i It is anV object of the present invention to provide a relative-ly inexpensive machine for manufacturing set up boxes from prescored box blanks, with the machine adapted to operate etliciently, economically and with greater speed of production than heretofore possible.

`It is also an object of the present invention to provide a machine of the type described which is readily adapted for manufacture of set up boxes of various sizes with a minimum amount of set up time required to make the machine ready for production.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a machine of the type described having a unique and novel conveyor system wherein individual box blanks may be creased into a desired form `with efficiency and accuracy. The present invention also provides a machine wherein the sides of the box are formed and secured together rapidly and efciently immediately prior to ejecting the formed box from the machine. A further object of `the present invention is to provide a unique and novel feed mechanism for feeding individual box blanks from a stacking rack into the machine successively with certainty and in precise preselected orientation. A further object of the present invention provides a unique mechanism for effectively applying adhesive material to selected portions of a box blank as it moves through the machine prior to forming the blank into a box.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying `drawings in which:

FIG. -1 is a `perspective embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of related portions of the invention,

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary view of portions of the frame and adjacent mechanism,

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a blank stacking mechanism secured at the feed end of Ithe invention,

FIG. 5 is a rear fragmentary view of a portion of the mechanism illustrated in FIG. 4,

lFIG. 6 is a cross sectional illustration taken substantially along the line 6-6 of FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 is an enlarged detail of the proportion of the mechanism illustrated in FIG. 6,

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional detail of the feed end of the invention,

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective View o-f the feed end of the present invention, i

IFIG. 10 is a detail of an element at the feed end of the invention,

IFIG. 1l is an exploded view of the detail illustrated in FIG. 10,

FIG 12 is a perspective fragmentary View of a device for registering the box blanks at the feed end of the mechanism,

FIG. 13 is a side fragmentary elevation of the detail shown in FIG. 12, t

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the feed end of the invention illustrating the `detail shown in FIGS. l2 and 13 and taken from a position substantially opposite from that from which the View of FIG. 9 was taken.`

' mechanism generally illustrated at 2.

3,102,457 Patented Sept. 3, 19.63

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional detail taken along the line 15-15 of FIG. 14,

FIG. 16 is a perspective fragmentary detail of a flap folding assembly positioned near the feed end, and schematically illustrated in FIG. 2,

. FIG. 17 is an elevational detail of portions of the mechanism illustrated in IFIG. 16 and as illustrated along the line 17-17 of FIG. 16,

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary penspective view taken substantially from the same position as FIG. 14 but illustrating in addition thereto, details shown in FIG. 16,

FIG. 19 is a cross sectional detail taken substantially along the line 19-19 in FIG. 18,

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary detail taken along the line 19-19 of FIG. 18 but in a subsequent sequential step from the view illustrated in FIG.` 19,

IFIG. 2l illustrates a side cross sectional fragmentary elevation of a detail of the invention illustrating the adhesive applcating elements,

IFIIG. 22 is a fragmentary elevation taken substantially along the line 'Z2-22 of FIG. 2l,

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary cross sectional side elevation of the ejecting end of the invention,

FIGS. 24a, 24h, and 24C are schematic illustrations showing three successive steps in the formation of the box at the ejection end of the invention,

lFIG. 25 is a front view of the ejecting end of the mechanism illustrating the box forming elements,

FIG. 26 is a rear View of the structure illustrated in FIG. Z1,

FIG; 27 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 27-27 of FIG. 25,

FIG. 28 is a schematic illustration of the air pressure system utilized to actuate the interrelated operating components of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a plurality of flat box blanks which are to` be formed into set-up boxes are stacked on an adjustable stacking rack, generally illustrated at 1. Blanks are removed individually and successively from the adjustable stacking rack 1 by a transfer These blanks are then fed successively between the feed rollers assembly 3 on to an endless conveyor 4. A blank registering or positioning mechanism 5 positions the blanks beneath side flap folding assembly 6 which partially folds the side flaps of the blank. The blank is then carried between channels by a transport mechanism 7 formed in part by the endless conveyor 4 through a gluing mechanism 8. The creased and glued blanks are then carried off the endless conveyor 4 with the aid of a blank positioning mechani'sm 9. The blanks are positioned in a box forming a die 10 by a ram assembly 11. The ram assembly 111 forms the box in the box forming die 10 and through the action of the air pressure system illustrated in part at 12 ejects the box from the die after forming.

` The adjustable stacking rack is .best illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, 6 `and 7. The adjustable st-acker is designed to support different sized and shaped stacks of box blanks. This rack is secured to the frame 13y (FIG. l) at 13'1 (FIG. 4) and is formed with parallel side rails 14 and 15, interconnected at their bottom ends by cross rail 16 andl a rod 17 at their upper ends. A pair of lead Screws 18 and 19 are mounted respectively on the rails 14 and 15 with each of the screws 18 and 19 journalled -at their lower ends in journals 20 which are in turn fixed to the rails. The upper ends of the lead screws are secured by slidable journals 21 which are in turn slideably movable on the rails 14 and 15. These lead screws 18 and 19 are operatively interengaged by the chain 22 and sprockets 23, 24, with the sprocket keyed respectively to the lead screws 18l and 19. A handle 25 connecte-d to one of the lead screws 18 turns the lead screws 18 and 19 uniformly.

A blank supporting carriage ygenerally illustrated at 26 isl vertically adjustable through operation of the lead screws 18, 19. A cross beam 27 is interengaged lat its ends with the lead screws 18 and 19 by traveling journ-als 28 which are adapted to move along the lead screws as they ro-tate. A pair of bottom members 29 are rigidly secured y and project normally from the cross beam 27. A second cross beam 30 parallel with cross beam 27 is rigidly secured to the bottom members 29. Cross beams 27 `and 30 have slideably journalled on them slideable sleeves 31 and 32 respectively. Side frames 33 and 3d are rigidly connected to sleeves 31 Iand 32. The sleeves 31 on the beam 27 and the sleeves 32 on the beam 38 are adapted to slide on their respective cross beams so as to parallelly move the side frames 33 and 34 toward and away from one another in order to adjust the stacking rack for box blanks of diiferent sizes.

Lead screws 35 and 36 are journalled respectively in supporting journals 37 and 38. Opposite end portions of the lead screws 35 and 36 on opposite sides, respectively, of the center journals 37" and 38" are reversely threaded. Sleeves 32 are respectively threaded on the lead screw 35 on opposite sides of the center journal 37, while the sleeves 31 are respectively journaled on the lead screw 36 on opposite sides of the center journal 38". A handle 39 is connected to lead screw 3S for rotation of this screw. A chain 40 and sprockets 41 operatively interengage lead screws 35 and 36 Afor simultaneous and synchronous rot-ation so that the side frames 33 and 34 may be moved toward and away froml one another in parallel movement. The ends of the box support carriage 26 remote from the rails 18 and 19 are supported in relation to these rails by braces 42 which are connected `at one end to the carriage preferably on the cross frame and at the other to the slideable journals 21.

Box blanks generally illustrated at 43 which may be of la variety of shapes :and sizes rest with their bottom edges yon the cross beams 27 and 38 and :are secured in a uniform pile at the sides by the side frames 33, 34. The upper end of the stack of blanks are supported 'by the upper Vcorner supports 44 and the indexing member 45. The upper corner supports 44 each comprise a mounting block 46. These blocks 46 engage the elongated keys mounted `for pivotal reciprocal movement on the shaft 57. The moving means 56 includes a forward arm S8 and rear arm 59. These arms are interconnected at their upper end by a cross member 60 which is pivotally interconnected .at opposite ends to the upper ends of the arms S8 yand 59. An upper arm 61 is rigidly connected to the cross member 6i) and is adapted to rotate or move with it. The lower end of forward arm 58 is formed with a collar 62. A helical spring 66 coaxial with the shaft 57 engaged the collar 62 at one end and a second collar 67 also coaxial with the shaft 57 at its other end. The spring 66 biases the arm 58 in the direction of the arrow 68 and 'against the sleeve 65 (FIG. 9). A stop, not shown on shaft 57 engages the collar 62 to limit its rearward movement by spring 66.

A rearwardly projecting tongue 63 to which the rear arm S9 is pivotally interengaged at 64 is integral with an elongated sleeve 65. This sleeve 65 extends coaxially with and substantially 1/2 the length of the shaft 57 and passes freely through collar 62. The end of the sleeve 65 remote from the moving means 56 is rigidly connected to Ia lever arm 68, in turn connected to an elongated arm 69 through a connecting link 70. The shaft 57 is suitably secured at its opposite ends i-n the frame i3 of the machine. The

47 on the rod 17 and are thereby non-rotatably but slidet ably keyed to the rod 17. A hook 47 is securely interconnected to each mounting block 46 by .a spring leaf section 48. The indexing member comprises a mounting block 49 fixed to the rod V17 with a J-shaped member 50 interconnected to the mounting block by a spring section 51, FIG. 7. The spring section 51 may be longitudinally adjustable on the block 49. The lower portion of the J-shaped member 50 is adapted to bear against and align the upper portions of the box blanks 43. The rearward surface of the bottom blank in the stack of blanks is engaged also by a pair of leaf springs 52 and 53y which are par-allelly secured adjacent the J-shaped member 5@l by suitable means. These springs 52, 53 may be secured to the spring section 51 by suitable means such as rivets. The forward spring 52 is somewhat longer than its parallel and adjacent spring 53 as illustrated at 54 I Theindividual box blanks are `fed individually and successively in a manner hereafter described from the adjustable stacking rack 1. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the lowermost blank 53 is pulled rearwardly in the direction of the arrow A. This causes the springs 52, 53 to bend forwardly. Because ofthe dierence in lengths of the springs 52, `b3, spring 52 will snap into engagement with the second-most box blank before the spring 53 releases the bottom box blank. This section has been found to more effectively separate successive box 'blanks so that they will not run through the machine together.

The box v'blanks 43l are successively removed from the stacking rack 1 'by the transfer mechanism 2 which is best illustnated in FIGS. 8 and 9. This mechanism 2 includes a blank engaging recprocatable moving means 56 elongated arm 69 is spring tensioned upwardly by means of the springs 71 which are connected 'at one end to the arm 69 and at the other to the frame 13 of the machine. The end of the arm 69 remote from the connecting link 7i? is pivotally supported and secured `at 'i2 in the frame 13 of the machine. j

A blank engaging head 73 is secured to the upper end of the upper arm 61. This head'is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 10 and l1. A cup '74 with side walls 7S is formed with a rubber diaphragm '76 positioned within the cup 74. The cup is mounted on an internally :and externally threaded sleeve 7 7, with the cup and diaphragm 76 secured to the sleeve 77 lby a screw 78 and metal washer 79. A lock nut 8'@ is positioned behind the cup and itself is threaded on the sleeve 7'7. The sleeve 77 is pivotally interengaged with the member 81. Member 81 is formed with a ball type socket 82 to which one end of the sleeve 77 is secured. An internally threaded retaining collar 83 pivotally interengages the sleeve 77 and the socket 82. The member 81 is formed with an axial bore 84 extending from the socket 82 to a point intermediate the ends of member 81. This bore 84 is connected to `an annular groove 85 external of the member Si. Threaded over this groove 85 is the collar 86 which secures `and interconnects the vacuum tube 87 with the groove 8S. Thus, a vacuum created in the tube 87 will cause suction through the opening 88 in the cup 74. A helical spring 89 is interposed between the collar 86 and the rear surface of the cup 74 so that the sleeve 77 and member 81 will be normally tensioned in longitudinal alignment. A fork 9e is rigidly secured by force tit or other suitable means to the periphery of the cup 74. This fork 98 is formed With =a facing section 91 and a lower angular section 92. The angular sectlon 92 is formed with a slot 93 through which the upper arm 6l passes. This fork limits the degree of pivotal movement of the sleeve 7 7 with respect to the member 81.

In the operation of the transfer mechanism illustrated in FIG. 2, the cyclical downward movement of the arm 69 causes the removal of a single box blank from the stacking rack and its feeding between the feed rolls assembly. (The means for actuating the arm '69 will be described hereafter.) When arm 69 moves downwardly, it causes the rotation of the sleeve 65 in a direction opposite from that of arrow 68. This in turn causes the for- Ward arm 58 to move rearwardly from a position illustrated in dottedoutline in FIG. 8. In this initial dotted outline position, the head 73 engages the rearmost box blank 43. `In this initial position, the spring 66 causes the fork, and therefore the suction cup 74 to lie hat against the box blank so that a vacuum created in the suction cup 74 will cause the head 73 to engage this bottom-most box blank 43. As the arm 69 moves downwardly the box blank 43 is pulled from the rack 1 to a position closely adjacent to the feed rolls 94 `and 95. In order to assure the proper positioning of the leading edge of this blank 43` between these feed rolls 94 Aand 95, the head 73 continues to move clockwise (FIG. 8) beyond the position illustrated after the arm 58 has stopped, having engaged the stop member on the shaft 57, (not shown).

This continued movement is lcaused by the `continued rotation of the tongue 63 which causes the rear arm 59 to continue to move clockwise. This transfer mechanism therefore, provides a two step movement wherein the box is rst pulled from the rack 1 to a position quite close to .the rolls 94 and 95. yContinued clockwise movement then continues to pull the leading edge of the box blanks between the rolls 94, 95 at which point the vacuum in the head is released. Thus, the upper edge of the box blank is fed directly between the feed rolls 94, 95 while the bottom edge of the blank is held in the stacking mechanism by a stop illustrated at 96, FIG. 8. The vacuum in the head 73 is controlled by a valve mechanism hereafter described.

At the forward end of the machine there are provided three transversely extending rotatable shafts, 97, 98 and 99. Shaft 97 is suitably journalled at its ends in the frame -13 of the machine :and is driven through endless chain 100 and sprocket 101. Mounted `on the shaft 97 are the `cams 102, 103 and 104. Cam 102 controls the operation of the blank registering or positioning mecha-` nism 5. The T-shaped blank registering or positioning mechanism 5 will be described in greater detailhereafter. Cam 103 controls the up and downward movement of the elongated arm 69. Arm i69 in turn controls the operation of sleeve 65 and in `addition air valve 105 (FIG. 9). The air valve 105 in tu-rn controls the vacuum in the blank engaging head 73 so that the volume is periodically shut oif to release box blanks at the mouth of the rolls 94, 95, when the `arm 69 is down. `Cam 104 operatively intereng-ages arm 106 for purposes hereafter described.

`Shafts 98 and 99 are suitably journalled on the frame. The shaft 98 is moveable over limited areas for adjustment of the rolls 95 which are mounted thereon. These lower rolls 95 `are rubber lcovered and are adapted to engage and carry forward blanks which are fed singularly between them. The upper rolls 94 keyed to shaft 99 are segmented 4and .are provided with forward projecting segments 107. These rolls 94 are also rubber covered. Mounted on and keyed to shaft 98 are sprockets 108 which in turn are driven by transport chains 109. These transport chains 109 are driven by means hereafter described. Shaft 98 is operatively interengaged with shafts 97 and 99 through the sprocket gears 110 mounted on shaft 98, sprocket 111 mounted on shaft 99 and sprocket 101 mounted on shaft 97. These sprockets are interconnected by endless chain 100, so that the rolls 94 and 95 rotate in a manner illustrated by .the .arrows B.

A pair of transport chains 109 which comprise the endless conveyor 4 extend around the sprockets 108 mounted on shaft 98 at the feed end of the machine and :around sprocket 113 mounted on shaft 114 at the rear or ejection end of the machine (FIG. 23). These chains 109 carry pairsof transversely -aligned dogs 115 at spaced intervals. These dogs 115 are best illustrated in FIGS. 9, 15, 19 and 20. These forward edgesof these pairs of dogs are each `adapted to engage the rear edge of a boX blank 43 as it is fed into the machine betweenthe rolls 94 and 95. The rotation of the driving rolls 95 and driven rolls 94 cause the box blanks 43 to feed therebetween until the trailing edge of the blank so fed is engaged by the dogs 115. These dogs then carry the box blanks longitudinally through the machine except over Ya limited portion in which the blanks are carried by the blank registering or positioning mechanism 5 hereafter described.

This blank registering or positioning mechanism 5 is best illustrated in FIGS. 12, 13, 14 and 18. The blank registering or position mechanism 5 engages the blank shortly after it has passed between the rolls 94 and 95 and been engaged by a pair of dogs 115. It pulls rearwardly away from and at a rate faster than the moving dogs to a stationary position under a side flap folding assembly 6. The side flap folding assembly 6 is then actuated to cause suitable creases to be formed in the now stationary box blank. After the creases are formed, the dogs which lare continuously moving with the chains 109, reengage the now stationary and creased blank and continue to move it rearwardly to the subsequent stages. By moving the `blank'43 more rapidly than the dogs, the blank may be positioned beneath the folding assembly 6 in a stationary position for a selected time interval during which time the creasing of the blank through the vassembly 6 takes place.

The blank registering or positioning mechanism 5, cornprises a T-shaped frame 116 (FIG. 12). The cross member 117 of the T-shaped frame 116 is rigidly secured to a stem 118 in turn connected to the piston of the air `cylinder 119. The T-shaped frame 116 and air cylinder 119 are supported on ,a bracket 120 in turn connected to ya shaft 1.21 which is fixed to the frame 1.3 (FIG 14). The piston in the air cylinder 119 is controlled for reciprocal movement through `air tubes 122a and 122b. Valve 123, illustrated in FIG. 12 and valve 112 illus trated in FIG. 9, 'control the reciprocatable movement of the piston in air cylinder 119 (see FIG. 28). When valve 123 is engaged by cross member 117 on forward movement of the cross member, the air pressure in 4the cylinder 119 is reversed to move the cross member 117 rearwardly toward the feed end of the machine. This cycle is repeated when valve 112 is synchronously closed on return of the cross member 117.

Parallel bars 124 and 125 are formed with notches which interengage the cross member 117 at its ends (FIG. 12), with the notches formed intermediate the ends of the bars 124 and 125. 'I'he parallel bars 124 and 125 are supported for longitudinal sliding movement on brackets 133 and 134 (FIG. 14). Bracket 133 is supported on mounting block in turn adjustably secured to the rod 121, FIG. 15. Bracket 134 is also secured by suitable means to the `frame. Each of the bars 124 and 125 have pick-up lingers, generally illustrated at i126, formed at the end closest to the feed end of the machine. These pick-up ngens 126 (FIG. 13) each project upwardly above the upper edges of the Ibars 124 and 125. The pick-up finger 126 illustrated in FIG. 13, is tinterconnected with the bar 125 by a pin 127 which slideably interengages :a slot 128 in the nger 126. The nger 126 is spring tensioned toward its uppermost position by a leaf spring 129 which at one end engages the lower edge `of the pick-up finger 126, and which at the other end is secured to the rail 125 Iby block means 130. The edges 'of the pickup fingers 126 closest the feed end of the machine are bevelled as illustrated at 131 to permit the box blanks to ride over the ifinger-s. These fingers are 4also provided with a notch 132 adapted to engage the rear edge of the box blank in order to p-ull it underneath the side ap folding assembly 6. The T-shaped frame 116 reciprocates in synchronized movement ywith the .movement of the dogs 115 secured to the chains 109. The pick-up fingers 126 engage the rearrnost edge of the box rblanks which are being carried towards the ejection end of the machine by the dogs. These pick-up iingers `are moved towards t'he ejection end at a rate more rapid than the dogs and therefore, pick-up fingers 126 pull the blank under the side flap folding assembly 6 at a rate more rapid than the forward movement of the dogs so that the blank moves away from the dogs by which it was initially engaged to a position under the folding assembly 6.

Also supported on the Ifname is a pair of V-shaped channels 136 and 137 each having a vertical leg 138 and Ioutwardly inclined leg 139. These V-shaped channels v '2' 136 and 137 are each parallelly supported on the rod 121 as illustrated in FIG. 15, with a bracket 141) interengaging the leg 138 land the top of the block 135. Several similar such mounting means may `be utilized as desired. Also secured tothe mounting blocks such as illustrated at 135 in FG. 15, are brackets 141. These brackets are each secured at one end to the mounting block 135 and at the other support an elongated guide rail 142. Secured to this guide nail are springs 143 and 144 which are adapted to engage and bear down against each box blank 43 when it is in a stationary position under the folding assembly 6i. These springs 143 and 144 press downwardly onthe blank 43 causing it to bear against the upper edges of the legs 139 of the V-shaped channels 136 and 137 while the blank is being creased. The chain 189 is carried on the upper edge of leg 138 as illustrated in FIG. 15.

The V-shaped channels 136 and 137 are moveable inwardly and outwardly on xed rods 12151 for adjustment to accommodate box blanks of different sizes, `as illustrated in FIG. 3. In this arrangement the channels 136, 137 are supported by mounting blocks 135 on rods 121 and 12151. Those blocks 135 mounted on rods 121a are engaged by lead screws 280 which extend parallel to rods 121a and are reversely threaded at opposite ends. The

lead screws 280 are journalledrat their ends in journals l 281 secured to the frame 13. The lead screws 280- are operatively interconnected by sprockets 282 and chain 283. A hand-le 284 integral with one of the shafts 121e is adapted to be turned for parallel movement of the channels 136, 137 toward and away from one another. The. lead screws are also secured at their centers with the threads on either `side in reverse' directions by the journals 285. This mechanism lis used to adjust the space between the channels 136, 137 for blanks of different sizes.

The folding assembly o crease the blank in the time interval during which the dogs 115 move into a reengaging position with the blank 43. This folding assembly 6 is best illustrated in FIGS. 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20.

The side iiap folding assembly includes a transverse bar 145 which is secured at opposite ends to the vertical connecting rods 146 which support and operate the bar 143. These rods 146 are in turn connected at their lower ends, ias illustrated in FlG. 9 to the vfree end of arm 1%. Arm 186 is pivotally supported at its other end 147 to the frame 13. The arm 1116 is normally tensioned upwardly by springs 148 connected at their lower end to the arm 106 adjacent the rod 146 and at their other end to the frame 13. The arms 186 and connecting rods 146 are moved downwardly against the tension spring 148 by the interengagement of cam 1134, previously described, and the roller bearing 149 rotatably secured to the arm 186'.

vAdjustably secured on the bar 145 `are the sleeves 1501,

151, 152 and 153. The sleeves 1515 and 153 respectively support the upper center folding blades`154 and 155. The sleeves 151 and 152 each support a pair of side flap folding blades 156 and 157. These side ap folding blades 156 and 157 are normally aligned with the outer edges of the outwardly inclined leg 139. Lower blade 158 is secured to the frame by suitable adjustable support l means illustrated at 159. This lower blade 158 has its outer surface aligned with the inner surface of .blade 155.

` After a box blank 43 `has been positioned beneath the side flap folding assembly 6 as illustrated in FIGS. 1.9 and 20, and the :blank is secured on the legs 139 by the springs 143 and 144, the bar 145 is actuated through 8 over the lower blade 158. This flap 234 remains above the rails 161. By separating ,the planes off aps 233 and 234, glue is deposited only on the bottom portion of the center tabs 234 when the blank 43 is subsequently fed through the gluing mechanism 8.

The gluing mechanism 8 illustrated in FIGS. 2l and 22 includes a pair of units symmetrically positioned one on each side of the 'machine with each `adapted to apply glue or other adhesive to the center ap 234,05 a box blank 43 passing therethrough. Since each unit 8 is identical only one unit 8 will be described; that being the left unit, looking toward the feed end of the machine. In this arrangement, a rod 1615 extends transversely across the machine and is suitably secured at its ends in the frame 13 of the machine.l Slideably secured and keyed to this rod is the arm 166 which supports a pair of inverted L-shapedvbracketgs 167 and the angle members 168 on either side. The inverted L-shaped brackets 167 are rigidly secured to the warm 166 while the angle members 168 are pivotally secured to the arrn 166 at'169. One leg of each angle member-168 is engaged by the adjustable threaded screw 170 which is threaded through the lip 171 at the free `end of the inverte-d L-shaped bracket 167. This leg 172 is tensioned against'the screw 170 'by a spring 73 which is interposed between the leg 172 and the main leg ofthe L-shaped bracket 167. The other end of each angle member 168has one end of the pressure roll 174 adjustably journalled in it. The pressure roll 174 is spaced above a glue roll 175, the lower portion of which projects into the glue pot 176. The roll 175 .is keyed forrotation to the shaft 177. A doctor bar adjustably mountedin a mounting block 179 is laterally adjustable on the keyed shaft 181i. The keyed shaft 181)` is suitably journalled or secured at its end in the frame 13. For convenience, -a single glue pot may 'be utilized, extending all across the machine, instead of a single glue pot for each of the units 8 henein described.

Each box blank 43 is carried on the V-shaped channels 136, 137 by the chain 109. The opposite center flaps 234 project between the pressure rolls 174 and glue rolls 175, while the side aps 233 are deilected downwardly by the guides or rails 161. After the flaps 234 have had glue adhesive applied to ltheir underside, the dogs 115 on t-he transport chains 189 move the box blanks 43 to the end of the conveyor 4.

The box blanks 43 are then removed from the end of the conveyor 4 by an ejecting mechanism 181. rThe purpose of this mechanism 181 is to impart a positive downward movement of the box blanks after they leave the conveyor 4. This positive downward movement is necessary since box blanks 43 carrying the glued flaps 234 would move too slowly. The ejecting mechanism 181 is supported on the control Valve bar 182. A clamp 183 mounted on the bar 182 has pivotally secured to it a C-shaped lever 184 with the lever 184 and clamp 183 interengaged at the, lower free end of the C-shaped lever 184. 'IThe center portion 185 of the G-shaped lever184 carries-a cam roller 186 which engages the cam 187 secured to lche rotatable shaft 188. 'l'lhe shaft 188 is in turn suitably journalled at its ends in the frame 13. This shaft 188 is rotated through a chain drive 189'which operatively interconnects sprockets, (not shown) on the shaft 114 and 188. A fork 190 having upwardly extending arms interconnected at the bottoms by a bight section is fixed at its bight section to a rocker arm 191. The lower end of this rocker arm 191 is pivotally interengaged with the 9 spring is interconnected between the 'column 192 and the C-shaped lever 184. Through the rotation of shaft 188 a more positive rapid movement may be imparted to the box blank 43 than would occur if the box blank were allowed to drop from the end ofthe conveyor 4.

`Arcuate guide rods 196 guide the box blank V43 downwardly finto a selected position in front of the box forming die 10. Rails 197 atV either side of the box forming die extend upwardly into rarcuate alignment with the end of the conveyor 4. These rails engage and maintain separate the center flap 234 from the side flaps 233 on each side of the box blank.

The b'ox blank 43 drops down between the ram 198 and the box forming die 10 and rests at its lower edge on the platform 217. This platform 217 mayA comprise a flat upper surface wvith supporting pillars `sut-ablysecured to the frame. At this point, the ram 198 forces the box blank43 into the die cavity 10, thereby folding thebox along previously scored lines. This initial positioning of the box blank 43 Within the die cavity 10 causes folding generally illustrated in FIG. 24a.l Box blank 43 is pushed forward initially by the plate 199 which forms a portion of the ram `198 andihas an outline conforming to the box bottom.` The blank is moved forwardly through a synchronized operation, described more fully hereinafter, until the bottom of the blank 43 hits retaining ridges 200 formed on each side plate 201 of the die 10.

The construction and operation of the ram 199 can best be understood by referring to F-IGS. 23, 24 and 28. The ram 198 is actuated to push the box blank 43 `into `the die 10. The ram comprises a plate 199 supported on a shaft 212. The shaft 212 is in turn connected to the pistons of hydraulic air cylinders 213 and 214. Cylinder 214 is the cylinder which drives plate 199 forwardly or in the reverse direction. Cylinder 213 is a damping cylinder which controls the speed at which the plate 199 moves so -as to avoid tearing the box blank as it is forced into the die 10. Forward movement of the pistonsin lthe cylinders 213 and 214 is actuated by bleeder valves215 and 216 which are mounted on the control valve bar 182 and are adapted to be actuated by cams mounted on the shaft 188.

The bleeder valves 215 and 216 in turn actuate the control valve 218 which in turn controls the passage of air from the air pressure source 220 through the lines 221, 222, 223 and 224 to the cylinders 213 and :214. Control valve 267 is controlled by bleeder valves 268 and 269, in turn mounted for actuation by cams in the rotating shaft 188. Control valve 267 controls return motion of `valves 213, 214 and `228. Since the shaft 188 is continuously rotated through the chain drive 189, the actuation of the bleeder valves 1215 and 216 may be selectively synchronnized so that the plate 199 will be driven forward into the box die at selected intervals calculated to initiate when the box blank 43 has reached the position in which it rests upon the platform 217. This plate 199 is somewhat smalli er in dimensions than the rectangular forming block 225, which in a subsequent step forms the box into the shape generally illustrated in FIG. 24b and also acts as an anvil against which the side plates 201 will exert pressure by mechanism hereafter described, to glue the sides of the box together. The forming block or head 225 isimounted on the shaft 226 which is coaxial and surrounds shaft 212. This shaft 226 is` suitably journalled in supporting journals 227 which permit reciprocal movement of the shaft 226, (FIG. 23). t 'Ihe shaft 226 is in turn connected to the piston of air cylinder 228, (FIGS. 23 and 28). Cylinder 228 is controlled by control valve 229 through line 230.` Valve 229 is in turn controlled by bleeder valves 231 and 232, which in turn are mounted on bar 182 and are actuated by cams on the rotating shaft, 188.

When the box blank 43 isthrust into the die 10 by plate 199, the opposite side plates |201 are in an intermediate or neutral position. These plates 201 are adapted to be parallelly displaced closer or farther apart than the guide rails 202.

10 neutral position in which they are located when the box blank is first forced into the die by mechanisms hereafter described.

After the head 225 has entered the die cavity 10, the

"side plates 201 are moved inwardly against the side of the head 225 exerting pressure `between the plates 201 and the lhead 225 onto the sides of the box blank. At this point, the box blank 43 has been folded to a position as illustrated in 24h wherein the side aps 233 have been folded under the center flap 234.

The box blank 43 is also properly located within the die 10 by top Vand bottom guide rails 202. These rails 202 and the ridge200` are adapted to be adjusted for receiving boxes of different sizes. The side plates 201 as well as the ridges 200 and rails 202 are supported on a framework which includes transversely extending parallel beams 203 and 204 (FIG. 25). These beams are secured on the frame 13 and are interconnected by beams 205 and 206 which are xed during` normal operation of this machine. These beams may, however, be adjusted for adapting the machine to receive or process blanks of different sizes. In addition, slideable beams 208 and 209 are slideably secured to the beams, 203 and 204 by the sleeves 210, 211. The beams 208 and 209 carry the slide plates 201, the ridges 200 `and The side plates 201 are actuated by toggle levers generally illustrated at 235 yand 236 in FIGS. 25, `26d and 27. These toggle levers are in turn actuated by air cylinders 237 and 238 (FIG. 28V). The toggle levers 235 and 236 are both identical and include in their construction three pairs of lever linkages 239, 240 and 241. Each of these linkages has one lever pivotally connected iat one end to the fixed beam 205 or 206, as the case may be, 'as illustrated at 242 (FIGS. 25, 26), yand the other lever of the linkage pivotally connected at its outer end to the slideable beam 208 or 209, as the case may be, as is illustrated at 243. The levers 244 and 245 which comprise the cen-ter lever linkage 240`are pivotally interconnected at their adjacent ends to the control bar 247 (FIG. 27). This bar 247 may comprise a narrow yoke and stem, and is in turn connected at its stern to the shaft 248 which is connected to the piston of the air cylinder 237. Each of the levers 249 and 250 which comprise the linkages 239 and 241 are pivotally interengaged at their inner ends and are connected to the yoke 251. Theyoke 251 is however secured rigidly to the cylinder 237. The shaft 248 projects through a hole in the bight of this yoke 251 :and is adapted to move reciprocally and independently of the yoke 251. The linkages 239 and 241 loperate as slaves and move in a direction opposite to linkage 240, thereby effecting a scissor-like action of the toggle levers. A dog 252 is positioned in the `upper larm 255 of the yoke 251. This `dog 252 engages the bevelled edge 254 formed on the rear of the control -bar 247. A spring 253 tensions Vthe dog downwardly. The spring should be so selected to limit the rearward movement of the control bar 247 unless excessive pressure through the air cylinders is :applied to overcome the force of spring 253. When the control bar 247 is engaged and held by the dog 252, the side plates 201 are in their neutral position. However, when excessive air pressure through the air cylinder system is applied so Ias to move the control bar 247 further rearwardly, overcoming the force of spring 253, the side plates 201 move to their outermost or release position.

The air pressure system utilized to effect this movement is illustrated in FIG. 28. In this arrangement, the cylinders 237 and 238 which control respectively toggle levers 235 and 236 are synchronously controlled by controlled by control valve 4256 and control valve 257. Control valve 257 will control the ow of a lower amount of air pressure to the cylinders 237 and 238 than valve 256. Thus, `for example, 75 pounds of air pressure is applied through line 258 to valve 256, while 20 through linek 261. Valve 257 is in turn connected to thev cylinders 237 and 238 through lines 26211 `and 262b. Valve257 is controlled by bleeder valves 263 and 264,

' while valve y256 is controlled by bleeder valves 265 and 266. Each of these valves are mounted on the control bar 182 for operation through cams mounted on the rotating shaft L83. Thus as the shaft 188 rotates, it causes a sequential operation of the bleeder valves 263, 264, 265 and 266. Valve 256 is -iirst turned on permitting the application of full pressure of 75 pounds `to the toggle levers. This is translated into approximately 2000 pounds pressure, being applied through the side plates 201 on to the sides of the box blank thereby effecting a firm pressure to glue the `sides of the box blank. After `a selected time interval, the pressure is released and valve 257 is actuated to return the plate to -a neutral position. Since thereis less pressure than would be applied when valve 256 is opened, the control bar 247 is stopped by the dog 252 under tension of spring 253 to hold the side plates 201 in neutral position. In this position there is sufcient room for withdrawal o-f thev plate `199 and head 225. vAfter withdrawal of the plate 199 and head 225 through action of the air cylinders 213, 214,`and 228, the side plates Ztllrare fully opened to permit subsequent ejection of the formed box. In this subsequent lsequential step, valve 256 is actuated to permit an overriding increased pressure to be applied to the'cylinders 237 and 238. This increased air pressure overcomes the restraining force of spring 253 and forces the control bar 247 further rearwardly thereby further opening the toggle levers 235 and 236.

After the side plates 201 are opened all the way, the box may be removed from the die by suitable means such as a blast of air (not shown).

Top and bottom guides 270 `and 271 Vare mounted respectively by adjustable means on the beams 263 and 204. These guides properly position the top and bottom portions of the box. Latches 272 project inwardly adjacent to the feed end of the die lil* (FIG. 23). These latches serve two purposes. They properly position the edge tabs indicated at 273` in FIG. 24 by projecting the tabs into the path of the forwardly moving head 225 so that the head will fold these tabs 273 over the aps 233, as illustrated in FIG. 24C. The tabs 272 also engage and hold the box in the die lo when it has been formed and when the head 225 is -being rearwardly withdrawn together with the plate 129.

The entire V'mechanism may be driven from a single source of power such as motor 293/l operatively interengaged with shaft 114 through the chain 291 and sprockets 292 (FIG. l).

What is claimed is:

1*..In a box forming machine, means for Iretaining a stack of box blanks, means for successively removing blanks from said stack, means for horizontally conveying said blanks in succession over a prescribed path at a iirst rate of speed, means for `disengaging said blanks from said conveying means at a selected point in said path, and forthereafter moving said blanks over a portion of said path at a second and yfaster rate of speed than said iirst rate of speed, means for reengaging said conveyor means and said blanks at the end -of said p,ortion,means for effecting creases in said blanks in said path while disengaged from said conveyor means and means for thereafter forming boxes from said blanks with the edges of said boxes in part `at least formed along said creases.

2. A device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for retaining a stack of box blanks comprises a stacking rack formed of a plurality of interengaged rails, a box blank supporting carriage, means adjustably securing said l2 f carriage to said rails whereby said carriage maybe moved along said rails for accommodation of different sized blanks, and means projecting `inwardly from said rails for removably interengaging said blanks.

3. In a box forming machine, means for horizontally conveying box blanks in succession over a prescribed path ata iirst rate of speed, means for disengaging said blanks from said. conveying means at a selected point in said path and for thereafter moving said blanks over a portion of said path at a second and faster rate. of speed than said iirst'` rate of speed, means for reengaging said conveyor means and said blanks at .the end of said por-l tion,` means` for effecting creasesin said blanks in said path while disengaged from said conveyor means, and means for thereafter forming boxes from said blanks with the edges of said boxes in part at least forrned along said creases. v

4. A device as set forth in claim 3 having means for stopping the movement of said boxes in said portionof said path, and means synchronizing the operation of said creasing means with said stopping means whereby said creasesare effected While said boxes are stationary.

5. In a box forming machine, meansY for horizontally conveying box blanks in sucession over a prescribed path at a tirst rate of speed comprising a pair of endless transport chains parallelly mounted for movement principally in horizontal planes, a pluralityv of dogs secured in spaced relation along said chains and adapted to engage individual box blanks and move said blanks with movement of said chains at said iirst rate of speed, means for disengaging said blanks from said dogs ata selected point in said path and for thereafter moving said blanks over a portion lof said path at a second and faster rate of speed than said iirs't rate of speed, means for reengaging said dogs and said .blanks at the end of said portion means for effecting creases in said blanks'in said path while disengaged from said conveyor means, and means for thereafter forming boxes from said blanks with the edges of said boxes in part at least formed along said creases.

6. A device as set forth in claim 4 wherein said creasing means comprise a plurality of parallelly arranged blades, means mounting said blades parallel 4to and later-V ally beyond said chains, means for moving said blades vertically and means coacting with said blades during said vertical movement for effecting creases in box blanks positioned between said blades and coacting means.

`7. In a box forming machine, means `for'horizontally conveying Ibox `blanks in succession over a prescribed path at a first rate of speed comprising a pairl of endless transport chains parallelly mounted for movementprincipally in horizontal planes, a plurality of dogs secured in spaced relation along said chain and adapted'to engage individual box blanks with said blanks supported on said chains and with portions of said blanks projecting laterally beyond said chains, said dogs adapted to move saidblanks with movement of said chains atrsa'id first rate of speed, means fordisen'gaging said blanks from said dogs atV a selected point in said path and for thereafter moving said blanks over a portion of said path at a second and faster rate of speed than said rst rate of speed, means for reengaging said dogs and said blanks atthe end of said portion, means for effecting creases in said laterally projecting portionsof said blanks while in said path and while disengaged from said dogs, and means for thereafter forming boxes from said blanks with the edges of said boxes in part at least formed along said creases.

8. In a box forming machine, means for horizontally conveying box blanks in succession over prescribed path comprising a pair of endless transport chains parallellyk mounted for movement principally in horizontal planes,y

plurality `of dogs Ysecured in spaced relation along said chains and adapted to engage individual box blanks with saidblanks supported on said chains and with portions of said blanks projecting laterally ybeyond said -chains, means for disengaging said blanks from said conveyingA 13 means at a selected point in said path for maintaining said blanks stationary at said point, means for effecting creases in said blanks at said point in the laterally projecting portions of said blanks, means for reengaging said conveyor means with said blanks subsequent to said creasing, means for thereafter forming boxes from said blanks with the edges at least in part formed along said creases and said means for disengaging said blanks includes a plurality of packup lingers, means supporting said fingers for reciprocal movement in the plane of said blanks and along a portion of said path, means adapted to interengage said lingers with said blanks at a second point in said path and release said blanks at said rst point, means adapted to move said blanks at a speed faster than said blanks are moved by said conveying means along said path between said second and first points while said blanks are engaged by said pickup lingers.

9. A device as set forth in claim 8 wherein said pickup lingers are each supported on one of a pair of parallel bars extending parallel to said chains, and said bars are interconnected by a cross member and a stem normal to 'and engaging said cross member with means for reciprocating said stem.

Vl0. A device as set forth in claim 9 wherein said chains are supported along said path each by an elongated member positioned parallel to and below said chains.

1l. A device as set forth in claim 10 wherein said parallel bars are each slideably supported by a second elongated member.

12. A device as set forth in claim 11 wherein said blades are supported by a bar extending laterally across said device, and means adapted to move said bar downwardly for effecting said creases.

,13. A device as set forth in claim 8 wherein means for applying cement to said laterally projecting portions of said blanks are positioned in said path.

"14. A device as set forth in claim 13 wherein said means for applying cement comprise glue rollers positioned to engage the lower surface of said laterally projecting portions, means for applying glue to said glue rollers, pressure rollers, means supporting said pressure rollers for arcuate movement to and from spaced positions parallel to and above said glue rollers.

-15. In a box forming machine an adjustable stacking rack comprising rail means lying in a major plane, carriage means for engaging the bottoms of a stack of box blanks, means adjustably securing said carriage means to said rail means for movement of said carriage means in parallel planes angular to said major plane of said rails from one end of said rack toward the other end, an indexing member for engaging the upper end of a box blank next adjacent said major plane, and, means securing said indexing member at said other end of said rack.

116. A device as set forth in claim 15 wherein said indexing member comprises a first and second spring in facing adjacent relation, said springs lying parallel .to

said major plane and extending toward said one end, with said iirst spring normally engaging said box blank next adjacent said major plane, and said second spring normally l/ll positioned more remote than said irst spring from said blank and projecting farther toward said one end than said irst spring. i

17. In a box forming machine conveyor means for horizontally feeding partially formed box blanks, means for guiding said blanks from the end of said conveyor means into a vertical plane, means for moving said blanks in succession downwardly from lche end of said conveyor means into said vertical plane, means for `forming said blanks into boxes comprising means forming a die with movable side plates within which blanks may be shaped into boxes, a ram assembly adapted to press said blanks into said die having a flat plate and shaft integral therewith, adapted to project said blanks into said die, and

a` head having a shape conforming with said die adapted to press said blanks into pressure engagement with said die, means for moving said side plates toward and away from one :another and int-o pressing relation with said head when said head is pressing said blanks into engagement with said die, ymeans Ifor actuating said means for moving said side plates into three positions including an inward position wherein said plates are in pressing relation with the side of said head and thereby adapted to apply pressure to portions of a box positioned between said side plates and head, a neutral position wherein said head may be moved relative to said side plates while portions of said box remain substantially stationary, and an outward position wherein said side plates are free of said portions of said box, and means for actuating said head. y18; A device as set forth n claim 17 wherein said means for moving said side plates includes toggle lever means with said plates each secured to said toggle lever means, and means for actuating said toggle lever means.

19. A device as set forth in claim 18 wherein said toggle lever means include pivotally interengaging levers with a lever at one end of said toggle lever means fixed Ito said plate and a lever at the other end of said toggle lever means iixedly secured..

20. A device as set forth in claim 19 wherein said means for actuating said toggle lever means includes an air pressure system having a plurality of air cylinders having air pressure controllable shaft connections operatively engaging said toggle lever system, and means for varying the air pressure in said cylinders for controllably moving said shafts.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,087,482 Schmidtke July 20, 1937 2,158,338 Mimoe May 16, 1939 2,742,285 De Back Apr. 17, 1956 2,844,076 Hoffmeister July 22, 1958 2,898,821 Shields Aug. 11, 1959 2,921,507 -Hedlund et a1 Ian. 19, 1960 3,008,386 Mosse Nov. 14, 1961 YFOREIGN PATENTS 1,019,546 Germany v Nov. 14, 1957 

1. IN A BOX FORMING MACHINE, MEANS FOR RETAINING A STACK OF BOX BLANKS, MEANS FOR SUCCESSIVELY REMOVING BLANKS FROM SAID STACK, MEANS FOR HORIZONTALLY CONVEYING SAID BLANKS IN SUCCESSION OVER A PRESCRIBED PATH AT A FIRST RATE OF SPEED, MEANS FOR DISENGAGING SAID BLANKS FROM SAID CONVEYING MEANS AT A SELECTED POINT IN SAID PATH, AND FOR THEREAFTER MOVING SAID BLANKS OVER A PORTION OF SAID PATH AT A SECOND AND FASTER RATE OF SPEED THAN SAID FIRST RATE OF SPEED, MEANS FOR REENGAGING SAID CONVEYOR MEANS AND SAID BLANKS AT THE END OF SAID PORTION, MEANS FOR EFFECTING CREASES IN SAID BLANKS IN SAID PATH WHILE DISENGAGED FROM SAID CONVEYOR MEANS AND MEANS FOR THEREAFTER FORMING BOXES FROM SAID BLANKS WITH THE EDGES OF SAID BOXES IN PART AT LEAST FORMED ALONG SAID CREASES. 